Andrea Gaines
President and Founder
I am a wife and mother to 6 kiddos and by day I am a digital media specialist for large medical company. I fell in love with Ethiopia while on the trip to pick up our first adopted son in 2006. The beauty, culture, acceptance and pride of the people are why I keep going back. I knew God was calling me to give back to the country that gave me the gift of 4 of it’s treasures, and over the years of visiting and working found that working along side those that want to make a difference in their own country. I have led several mission teams over, and visited for personal and business reasons over the years and have formed lasting and strong bonds and relationships. Habesha Mommma is a fulfllment of a long time dream.
Devon Shanor
Vice President/Treasurer and Debre Markos Project Manager
I now call home Virginia Beach Virginia. I grew up in Ohio but when I married my husband Brett, a former Marine, I moved all over the country as he served. We finally came to rest in Virginia and now call Virginia Beach home. I am a professional photographer, and have owned my own business, Devon Shanor Photography, for the past five years. We have three beautiful children and our youngest was adopted from Ethiopia in 2008.
My passion is people, it always has been, especially people at a disadvantage. I have a degree in Special Education and I knew growing up that I would be an adoptive mother. I try hard to follow God’s greatest commandment of LOVE. I am very active in my church ministries and have been on multiple missions trips. My desire is to be the hands and feet of Jesus in whatever way I can.
I have always wanted to be a part of ministry in Ethiopia. My heart yearns to make a difference there. Being asked to be a part of Habesha Momma is such a blessing and I pray God will use to me to help grow this organization and help change lives!
Christina Minkewicz
Secretary
I am a wife and mother of 3 kids and 1 dog. I own my own business, Quiltprincess, where I create and sell my homemade creations. I volunteer my time for Habesha Momma and as a volunteer EMT with the city of Virginia Beach. We attend a local United Methodist Church where I play violin in the orchestra. My love for Ethiopia grew from my first trip in 2015 when I felt called to help start the school in Hawassa along with my friend Andrea. On that trip I discovered not only that I love being involved in creating educational opportunities, but that I love Ethiopia! I love our friends who live and work there, I love the food and man do I love the coffee! On that trip I was led by little children through their village and was humbled beyond measure by their love and grace as I stumbled my way around. They held my hands and forever have my heart.
Anna Jones
Strategy and Market Growth
I’m a Vegas native that moved to Seattle several years ago. I’m married and have two children, one of which was adopted from Ethiopia. My career has been spent managing client solutions/services, with an emphasis in growing “start-up’s”. Habesha Momma is much like a start-up and I’m excited to help the organization grow and thrive. I’ve trained and led mission teams to Ethiopia and have developed a deep love and appreciation for the beautiful country and her amazing people. The culture, history, sights, sounds, people & experiences of Ethiopia are a true treasure I wish everyone could encounter at least once. It has become a second homeland to our family. I’ve managed Ethiopian family sponsorship, business training, micro-finance lending, and orphanage support programs for my church and am excited about the work we’re doing here at Habesha! At the end of the day, it’s all about loving others well and passing along the blessings that God has so generously bestowed upon us.